Croatian town building Mercedes-Benz monument – report

Croatian sculptor Roko Drzislav Rebic is working on a life-sized stone replica of a vintage Mercedes-Benz made out of stone to commemorate the thousands of migrants who left their hometowns to work and generate their income somewhere else.

According to a Reuters report, the Mercede-Benz W114/115 was seen as a “symbol of success” for the returning workers who drove back to Imotski – a town approximately 460km south of Croatia's capital city, Zagreb.

The German luxury car was said to have embodied a newfound financial freedom for the migrant residents – earned as a result of moving away from the impoverished town.

The Mercedes-Benz monument is reportedly set to be unveiled on 8 June 2024.

The W114/115 was available as a sedan or coupe, with seven petrol engines and four diesel engines available during its production run between 1968 and 1976 – during which almost two million vehicles were made. A ute version was also produced briefly in Argentina.

While the petrol models were known to be very reliable, the diesel variants – sold as the 200d, 220d, 240d, and 300d – gained a reputation in Australia for being virtually indestructible, making them a particular favourite for affluent families in rural areas during that era.

Ivan Topic, resident and owner of the local vintage car club in Imotski, told Reuters: “Our fathers and grandfathers moved away, mostly to Western Germany at the time to earn something.

“To show they have earned some money they would drive back home in their Mercedes car … out of gratitude to them we are building this monument today."

Mr Rebic told Reuters the replica is made from stones purchased from areas near Imotski – with the finished product reportedly weighing 50 tonnes.

Mr Topic said to the publication he estimates there could be up to 8000 Mercedes vehicles in the town populated by approximately 25,000 residents.